QWC asks: How do you publicise a new book?

Posted on Jul 23, 2012 by Perry Woodward  | Comments (4)

We all know that publicising a book is hard work and that what works for one book might not work for someone else’s. To get to the heart of the matter, QWC and if:book Australia thought it would be best to go directly to the source: you, our fellow Queensland writers, and find out what you think works (as both readers and writers) and doesn't work in the multifaceted world of book promotion.

Over the next few days, we'll be asking the hard questions on Facebook and twitter to find out the truth about book promotion. We want to know your thoughts, your successes and your failures in the book promotion arena.

Post your comments here on our blog, join us on Facebook or follow us on twitter (#QWCasks) as QWC asks:

How do you publicise a new book?

  1. When should you start publicising your book?
  2. What are the most important aspects of marketing (eg. Book-cover design, promoting the author)?
  3. It is important to use a number of medias (eg. Social networking sites) as there are so many out there. But how do I know which one to use to target my audience?
  4. How much of the book promotion is the author’s responsibility and how much is the publisher’s?
  5. Are there any definite places an author should promote (eg. Facebook, Amazon ect)?
  6. How important is social networking for book promotion?
  7. Are there any marketing techniques or avenues authors should avoid/ anything that is a waste of time (eg. Book signings)?
  8. Do you have any general tips?
  9. How much marketing is necessary (is there ever too much)?

Comments (4)

  1. Juliet Greenwood:
    Jul 23, 2012 at 04:55 PM

    My experience is that there should be two strategies going side by side with marketing a book. The immediate one is based around the cover, making readers aware of it so it’s easily spotted, and be based on the book and the story. The more long term one is based around raising awareness of the author. Who they are, what they like. Their life and writing journey. That’s the bit that builds up a fanbase long-term because you are building up personal relationships with readers who enjoy your books. It’s a relationship, not a sales pitch.

    I’ve found that the most rewarding relationship as a writer, too. I love chatting to my readers on Facebook and Twitter and I feel I’ve made many more friends, too. So yes, Facebook and Twitter are important – but they are also long-term commitments. There’s nothing worse than someone coming on just to hard-sell their book! I think the best advice is to thing long-term. Don’t panic if you don’t get zillions of readers straight away – just plug away at building up network of followers.

    I’m an author from the UK, but my grandfather came to Australia to find gold – so I hope that means I count! (My grandfather failed, I’m afraid. Which is why I live near a goldmine in Wales instead)

  2. Perry Woodward:
    Jul 23, 2012 at 05:01 PM

    Thanks Juliet! That's great advice. (And of course you count! We love hearing from international authors as well as our home-grown, Aussie ones.)

  3. Juliet Greenwood:
    Jul 23, 2012 at 05:42 PM

    Thanks, Perry! I'm enjoying your site. Great to get information from all over the world!

  4. Anne Hayes:
    Jul 24, 2012 at 10:18 AM

    Last Friday morning, I squandered several hours on a Design Brief for a book cover. Having emailed the brief to a clever graphics' design friend, I thought about how much effort it took to produce that six page doc and attach a few examples. Time, perhaps, I could have been working on manuscript edits. I think it was a morning well spent! Im already writing the second novel in the series and the cover(s) will be an integral part of the marketing strategy. I can't wait to see what he comes up with! Getting the Design Brief for the cover out there has spurred on my editing efforts... and I detest editing!

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